The catastrophe continues at Parkhead over the appointment of a new manager. Despite months of discussion and advanced talks, Eddie Howe’s Glasgow move has collapsed due to a problem while assembling his backroom team as well as the transfer targets presented to him by the Scottish hotshots. According to Sky Sports, Celtic are now likely to appoint Ange Postecoglou as their new boss.
Postecoglou’s name has been proposed by Fergal Harkin who is expected to become the club’s new sporting director this summer upon his egress as Manchester City’s football partnerships manager. The supporters were rooting for a high-profile appointment to start afresh after a dreadful campaign and the little-known 55-year-old has certainly failed to live up to their expectations for obvious reasons.
In charge of Japanese outfit Yokohama F. Marinos currently, the Greek-born former Aussie international is best known for his managerial stint with the Socceroos. They won the 2015 AFC Asian Cup defeating South Korea under his tutelage, and also qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup banking on an exquisite brand of football. He received massive plaudits for his side’s headstrong display in the 2014 World Cup competition. However, his resignation soon after the qualification led to stern criticism across the country.
A Man With Philosophy And Clear Vision
Postecoglou kept quiet for long before hitting back at the nation’s Football Federation and the media figures for his shocking decision.
“In the end, I was the only one thinking that way. FFA weren’t, the board wasn’t. It’s their right — they thought, great fantastic, nice words, but we just want to qualify for the World Cup because if we don’t it’s a disaster for the game.”
The gaffer told the Herald Sun how he was planning beyond qualification and working on rebuilding a squad for the future. Yet he could not avoid controversy, particularly due to his decision of joining Yokohama F. Marinos days after stepping down as the Australia chief.
Although he might not be the name the Hoops faithful were hoping for as Neil Lennon’s successor, Postecoglou deserves a lot of appreciation for his football philosophy and vision.
“I’ve been coaching for a while now and I’ve been pretty fortunate that the clubs I’ve worked at, we’ve had some sort of success. I like to think I’ve left my mark at those clubs. That’s what I’m looking for future.”
Highlighted the man himself while speaking to Fotmob a few months ago. Silverware is the currency of achievement in modern-day football, but the likes of Postecoglou are still out there who believe in laying a foundation for the future over short-term glory and chequebook success. Would he get enough time at Celtic though to instill his ideology and conviction? The fans must show some patience for that as the Bhoys are in desperate need of a transition to reinstate their reputation beyond Scotland.
